All-Star Weekend for a King
LeBron James is no stranger to All-Star weekend, as this is his 14th consecutive start, which is the most by any player in NBA history. However, this weekend, of them all, may be the one that stands out amongst them all in his legacy.
Before All-Star weekend even got off to a start, Bron was in the news. Not for his play, but for controversy between he and a Fox News anchor for LeBron's comments on the Trump Administration during an interview with Cari Champion for Uninterrupted. During the interview, LeBron stated that "Trump doesn't give a f**k about the people," which caused an uproar amongst Trump supporters. Although not all [Trump supporter] voices were heard, the one that stood out amongst the pact was Laura Ingraham, who advised LeBron to "shut up and dribble" after his comments.
This media feud turned into the headliner of the weekend as LeBron responded that he won't be taking her advice and proceeded to carry on the discussion with Instagram posts and other subtle jabs at the anchor for her comments, including a customized message on his sneakers.
LeBron's pre-game sneakers displayed the message "More Than An Athlete" in response to Ingraham's comments.
LeBron has been a strong advocate for the social injustices facing black community, particularly this year, and he was supported by other athletes, public figures and even the commissioner of the NBA, Adam Silver, who all continued the conversation.
Aside from the politics, LeBron also partnered with KITH on limited edition 'LeBron 15' colorways that were debuted at KITH's new flagship store that opened in Los Angeles during the weekend. Bron joined the KITH panel during the release and also granted lucky fans with gifts of the new sneakers.
LeBron joined the panel discussion at the opening of KITH's LA store and the release of the new Kith x LeBron XV shoe.
All of this before tip-off.
History was also made as this was the first NBA All-Star game with a 'pick-up' format. LeBron was the captain for "Team LeBron" where he was able to hand-select his team in a draft-style format against the other leading All-Star vote-getter, Steph Curry ("Team Steph").
The hopes for the new format were to create a new, more competitive atmosphere for the All-Star game and they sure didn't disappoint. In what was one of the most memorable All-Star games to my recollection, from the introductions, to the National Anthem, to the halftime show and of course the game, LeBron still finished with the last laugh.
In an uber-competitive game, by All-Star standards, LeBron became the all-time leader in All-Star game points scored, "Team LeBron" came up with a clutch defensive stop to win the game and LeBron took home the MVP trophy - for the 3rd time in his career.
At 33 years old, in his 15th NBA season, LeBron continues to not only set the standard for NBA players & other athletes, but he's also raising the bar - both on and off the court. The weekend is to acknowledge the All-Stars, but yet and still, there's the one star at the top, whose legacy continues to expand and he is the King of All-Star Weekend 2018 - LeBron James.
